Physiotherapy
The NMC has a team of specialist neuromuscular physiotherapists that provide assessment, treatment and advice for people with a neuromuscular condition, including the muscular dystrophies.
This service can provide ongoing care determined by clinical need. It is free, but we do seek funding from Clinical Commissioning Groups.
NMC Physiotherapy has strong links with regional neuromuscular clinics at Oswestry, The Walton Centre, Royal Preston, Newcastle, London Centre for Neuromuscular Disease and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. We also have links with regional respiratory clinics.
Referrals are accepted from consultants and GPs and we just ask people make their own travel arrangements.
Welcome Day and Physio Assessment
At your NMC Welcome Day, you will have a tour of our Centre, meet some of those who have Physio here, as well as those who work, study, exercise and get support here. You will have a 15 minute Initial Consultation with one of our Specialist Physiotherapists and will also normally get the opportunity to chat with our Support and Development Manager, with whom you can discuss the day to day implications of living with a neuromuscular condition and how some of those may be addressed.
Please bring family, friends and carers if you would like. We aim to support the whole family and everyone will be made most welcome.
Following the Welcome Day you will receive a further invitation to attend the 2nd part of your Physio Assessment. This will be a 2 hour appointment some weeks after your Welcome Day.
Our facilities are as accessible as possible. We have a range of different toilets/bathrooms to cater for those with a range of mobility. Wheelchair users will find our Centre easy to navigate. We’re all on one level and mainly open plan. The Centre has an adapted kitchen and large lounge area. We encourage you to bring a packed lunch and spend time with us over lunchtime chatting with others who come to NMC. We have facilities for making tea and coffee.
Treatments
All our treatments are chosen to suit the individual, but in most cases our aim is to deal with the effects of muscular dystrophy, which is muscle weakness and wasting.
The essential aims of treatment:
-
Maintain flexibility.
-
Maintain joint range.
-
Make the best use of available muscle power.
We can also give appropriate treatment and advice for musculoskeletal problems including:
-
Acute minor injuries, such as strains and sprains.
-
Chronic postural neck and back pain.
-
We also look for improvements in "Function", such as walking, dressing, washing and fine hand movements.
